Skip to content

Limestone University vs South University-Columbia

Limestone University is a private university in Gaffney, SC, and South University-Columbia is a private for-profit university in Columbia, SC. Limestone University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 97% of applicants against 100% at South University-Columbia. Limestone University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $19,588 a year against $27,693 at South University-Columbia. About 32% of students graduate at Limestone University, compared with 13% at South University-Columbia. Ten years after enrolling, Limestone University alumni earn a median of about $44,999, against $34,421 for South University-Columbia.

Limestone University

Gaffney, SC · Private

South University-Columbia

Columbia, SC · Private (for-profit)
At a glance
Type
Private
Private (for-profit)
Location
Gaffney, SC
Columbia, SC
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,482
450
Acceptance rate
97%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.13–3.63
3.2–3.7
SAT (middle 50%)
980–1160
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
19–25
Not reported
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$19,588
$27,693
Full cost / yr
$40,671
$35,322
In-state tuition
$27,800
$18,145
Out-of-state tuition
$27,800
$18,145
Application fee
Not reported
$75
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,772
$26,588
$30k - $48k
$15,920
$30,474
$48k - $75k
$18,607
$32,022
$75k - $110k
$23,314
$29,386
Over $110k
$23,320
Not reported
Outcomes
Graduation rate
32%
13%
Freshman retention
64%
57%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$38,713
$34,115
Median earnings (10 yr)
$44,999
$34,421
Median debt at graduation
$27,639
$26,123
Student body
Pell grant recipients
43%
58%
First-generation students
43%
47%
International students
5%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Limestone University or South University-Columbia harder to get into?
Limestone University is harder to get into. It admits about 97% of applicants, compared with 100% at South University-Columbia. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Limestone University or South University-Columbia?
Limestone University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $19,588 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $27,693 at South University-Columbia. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Limestone University and South University-Columbia?
Before aid, South University-Columbia costs about $35,322 a year and Limestone University about $40,671. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Limestone University or South University-Columbia?
Limestone University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $16,772 there, against about $26,588 at South University-Columbia. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Limestone University or South University-Columbia?
Limestone University is the larger of the two, with about 1,482 undergraduates against 450 at South University-Columbia.
Does Limestone University or South University-Columbia have a better graduation rate?
Limestone University has the higher graduation rate, at about 32% against 13% at South University-Columbia.
Do graduates of Limestone University or South University-Columbia earn more?
Limestone University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $44,999 ten years after enrolling, against about $34,421 for South University-Columbia. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Limestone University and South University-Columbia require SAT or ACT scores?
Limestone University is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. South University-Columbia is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school